Wrexham University shares new student accommodation plans

It says this will help alleviate pressure off the private rental market, as well as allow the institution to grow and meet its long-term student recruitment ambitions. 

The university has announced it is seeking a contractor to design and secure planning approval for much needed, new purpose-built student accommodation to be built within its Plas Coch campus in Wrexham, which will comprise 322 beds and associated ancillary facilities.

The contract is for the initial design and planning approval of the scheme, with a second procurement exercise set to take place afterwards that will comprise of more detailed design, building, and financing of the project.

The need for more student accommodation comes as the number of students attending the University grew from 8,416 for the 2021-2022 academic year to 9,055 for 2022-2023 – and in 2023/24, the institution experienced unprecedented demand for accommodation.

Lynda Powell, executive director of operations at Wrexham University, said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to study and live in Wrexham – and as a result, increased awareness of the city, our university and the courses we provide has meant growth in our student numbers, as well as increased demand for accommodation.

“Whilst this demand is most welcome, it has been exacerbated by the lack of affordable houses of muti-occupancy within the private sector in Wrexham, so this planned accommodation will help ease some of that pressure off the local rental market.

“Therefore, it is essential that we as an institution strategically reassess our accommodation provision to support the recruitment and retention of students, which in turn will allow us to continue to grow and meet our longer-term ambitions.

“This planned new accommodation signals an invigorating period of growth for not only us as an institution but also Wrexham as Wales’ newest city.”

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This planned scheme forms part of the University’s ongoing £80million Campus 2025 masterplan, which aims to enhance the local region and its campuses to ensure students have state-of-the-art learning environment and facilities.

Paul Moran, Capital Projects Manager at Wrexham University, added: “We’re hopeful that local businesses take us up on this exciting opportunity to design modern and welcoming accommodation that our students will want to live in.

“We will want our chosen contractor to deliver a design solution which is fit for purpose, future-proofed with environmental performance considered throughout.”

Businesses interested in tendering for this opportunity can download the full tender pack by visiting the Sell2Wales link here. The deadline for this tender is 18 October.